The Oklahoma City Thunder welcome the Miami Heat to Chesapeake Energy Arena. Action begins at 3:00 pm ET on Sunday, Mar. 22 and can be seen on Sun Sports and FSN-OK.
The Thunder played well in their last game, topping the Hawks 123-115 on Friday. Oklahoma City was lifted by Russell Westbrook, who finished with 36 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds. This gave him his ninth triple-double of the year. The Heat, meanwhile, are coming off a 108-91 win against the Nuggets on Friday. Goran Dragic had a good game for Miami, registering 18 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
Dwyane Wade and Dragic have upped their production over the last five games for the Heat. Wade has averaged 27.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.0 steals during that stretch, while Dragic has put up 18.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 2.0 steals.
This is the second game of the year between these two teams, with the Thunder winning the first matchup 94-86. Westbrook finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
The odds for Oklahoma City and Miami are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. The Thunder come into this game 39-30 Straight Up (SU) and 34-33-2 Against The Spread (ATS). They are 19-9 SU and 12-15-1 ATS against the Eastern Conference. The Thunder have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 113.4 points during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 103.4 points per game. The rebounding edge goes to the Thunder in this matchup, who average a league-best 47.6 rebounds per game. The Thunder will be looking to turn around their defense after struggling a bit recently. The Thunder have given up an average of 110.2 points to opponents in their last 10 games, well over their defense’s season average of 100.7 PPG.
As for their opponent, the Heat have 32-36 SU and 32-33-3 ATS records. Miami performed well ATS during its last 10 games, earning a 7-3 record. Offensively, the Heat have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 95.1 points per game by averaging 103.4 during that stretch. One advantage for the Heat could be Oklahoma City’s high fouls per game average of 22.4.
The Thunder’s win over Miami in their last game wasn’t enough for them to overtake the Heat in the recent head-to-head series. Their record is now 3-7 SU over the most recent 10 meetings. The Heat also lead the matchup ATS with a record of 7-3. In these last 10 matchups, each team was able to hold the edge in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers two times.
Predictions: SU Winner – OKC, ATS Winner – OKC
Notes
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma City’s last 6 games.
Oklahoma City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City’s last 5 games at home.
Oklahoma City is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games at home.
Oklahoma City is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Miami.
Oklahoma City is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Miami.
Oklahoma City is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Miami.
Oklahoma City is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against Miami.
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Oklahoma City’s last 13 games when playing at home against Miami.
On average, Miami puts up 95.1 points per game (ranked 26th), while Oklahoma City gives up 100.7 points per game (ranked 20th).
Miami ranks 28th in points per away game with 93.1 points, while Oklahoma City ranks 15th in points allowed at home with 98.4.
In games where they allow fewer than 100 points, the Miami Heat are a solid 28-12. In games where they score fewer than 100 points, the Oklahoma City Thunder have a subpar record of 6-18.
When allowing 100 or more points in a game, the Heat are just 4-24 this season. Oklahoma City is a solid 33-12 when registering triple digits.
The Heat have an offensive rating of 101.9 (ranked 16th), while the Thunder rank 12th for their defensive rating of 101.5.
The Miami Heat have one of the best field goal percentages this season, ranking seventh in the league with a FG% of 45.9%. When their opponents have a similar or higher FG%, the Oklahoma City Thunder are 11-13.
On average, Oklahoma City attempts 22.6 three pointers and Miami attempts 20.2 per game. In games where the teams have 25 or more three point attempts, the Thunder have a 9-10 record while the Heat have a losing 4-7 record.
Oklahoma City has an assist to turnover ratio of 1.46 this season (ranked 24th). Miami ranks higher with an A/TO of 1.46 (ranked 22nd).
While Oklahoma City is the top rebounding team in the NBA (47.6 rebounds per game), Miami is the worst, with 38.8 per game.
Oklahoma City ranks second in defensive rebounding, placing the team near the top of the pack. Miami, however, ranks 29th in offensive rebounds.
Miami is one of the best in the league in forcing turnovers, with opponents averaging a TOV% of 15.2% (ranked eighth). Oklahoma City is an even 14-14 SU when it has a TOV% of 15.2% or greater.
